Seven lines from the seventh page of current work in progress: ‘The Highs and Lows of Leticia Dombrowski’
‘Then the thoughts take on a different form. Had he – his teenaged self – really been so sharp with his loving, warm, over-needy Mama; disenchanted with the sometimes cloying atmosphere of the home he really loved? He shrugs, briefly recalling the testosterone-absorbed years. His Papa came into focus, bearded, prematurely white-haired, sharp-featured (‘That nose could pierce a can!’ from his Mama), and serious. How he had insisted on absolute commitment to learning Hebrew, the Talmud and Russian! That he, Daniel, held a very different opinion on organized religion soon came to light…’
© Joy Lennick 2018
Joy Lennick 
What a place to be at that time.
Thanks for commenting, Tandy. My husband’s family came from Poland, and although I have no Jewish blood that I know of, I embraced his faith for years, though am now a Humanist, as is he. The whole Jewish story is heart-breaking and brings to light – and how could we ever forget – man’s inhumanity to humanity. I believe in goodness and hope, which I have to believe will prevail. On a lighter note, I love the Jewish sense of humour. Where would we be without it?! Best wishes to you and happy cooking! Hugs x
This is a great extract, Joy. I didn’t realise you had written a book about life during WWII. I have just purchased it.
A year and a half ago I travelled to Poland and I put pen to paper to express my wrought emotions in a poem. Aushwitz Birkinau will never leave me. I wish you luck with your book.
“That nose could pierce a can” I loved that statement .well done your seven lines are strong.
Thank you for your kind comments, Ellen. The chapter that piece is set in is important as I want it to have a strong impact on the story. I saw films of the concentration camps when quite young (just after the war) and the horror has never left me. Such inhumanity to humanity! I haven’t any Jewish blood, but my dear husband is Jewish and several of his extended family were murdered in Poland. Is your poem on your web-site? I would like to read it. I shall look. Very best wishes. .